Method and apparatus for multi-deselection in wastewater treatment

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to physical selection, deselection or outselection for smaller, less dense, sheared or compressed particles in sludge, wherein the first deselection step occurs at the reactor or at a clarification step, by separately deselecting for such particles and then a second deselection step occurs in an external selector. This double deselection promotes the more efficient removal of slow settling particles, while simultaneously allowing for maintenance of multiple solids residence times for fast and slow growing organisms. The deselection in a clarifier occurs typically at the periphery of the tank or at the surface of a blanket using a positive or negative pressure device. Structures such as slotted or perforated plates, pipes or manifolds can be used to assist in such deselection. Baffles can also be used for such deselection.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is entitled to, and hereby claims, priority under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/160,497,filed Mar. 12, 2021, titled “Method and Apparatus for Double Deselectionin Wastewater Treatment,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses involvingphysical selection (or deselection) of slow settling particles forcollection and management of sludge particles by returning good settlingparticles, using internal selection, to the biological process whileselecting and sending poor settling particles to a waste stream.

BACKGROUND

There are many different types of sludge collectors used in, forexample, state-of-the art circular and rectangular clarifiers. Theseinclude the use of physical hoppers and baffles, as well as collectorsthat use vacuum, airlift, or mechanical means to move sludge to aninternal hopper or external sludge box. The inventors have discovered anunmet need for a technology solution that can provide improvedselection, collection and management of sludge particles in treatmentsystems and processes that include sludge collectors.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides a wastewater treatment system, comprising aninfluent containing contaminated water and a reactor comprising (i) aninlet, (ii) a bioreactor, (iii) an internal deselector, and (iv) anoutlet. In an embodiment, (i) the inlet is configured to receive theinfluent and supply the contaminated water to the bioreactor; (ii) thebioreactor is configured to disperse the contaminated water in asolid-liquid mixture, treat the solid-liquid mixture and form biologicalsolids; (iii) the internal deselector is configured to retain or retarda first portion of the biological solids from the solid-liquid mixtureand output a deselected solid-liquid mixture comprising a second portionof the biological solids; and (iv) the outlet is configured receive thedeselected solid-liquid mixture and output the deselected solid-liquidmixture, including the second portion of the biological solids, from thereactor. The system comprises: a particle deselector configured toreceive the deselected solid-liquid mixture and deselect part of thesecond portion of the biological solids in the selected solid-liquidmixture to output the deselected part of the second portion of thebiological solids; and a return line configured to supply the deselectedpart of the second portion of the biological solids to the reactor,wherein the particle deselector comprises at least one of adensity-based (DB) deselector and a particle size-compressibility (PSC)deselector.

In an embodiment, the deselector is configured to deselect the firstportion of the biological solids from the solid-liquid mixture based onat least one of pressure differential, flow velocity, flow rate,temperature differential, and electromagnetic energy exposure.

In an embodiment, the particle deselector is configured to deselect thedeselected part of the second portion of the biological solids based onat least one of solids particle density, size, shear-resistance, orcompressibility.

In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one of a decanter, aclarifier, a separator, a membrane, and a filter configured to separatesolid particles having predetermined characteristics from thesolid-liquid mixture.

In an embodiment, the biological solids include particles having anaverage solids residence time (avSRT) for selecting fast and slowgrowing organisms with different treatment functions, wherein: particlesin the deselected part of the second portion of the biological solidshave a solids residence time (loSRT) that is lower than the averagesolids residence time (avSRT); and particles in the deselected part ofthe second portion of the biological solids have a solids residence time(hiSRT) that is higher than the average solids residence time (avSRT).

In an embodiment, the deselected part of the second portion of thebiological solids includes particles comprising: a sludge volume indexless than 80 mL/g; or improved membrane flux or reduced membranefouling.

In an embodiment, the deselector is configured to apply a negative or apositive pressure at or near: a. a reactor interface of the bioreactor;b. a clarifier interface; c. a surface of the reactor; d. a surface of asettling blanket; e. a periphery of a clarifier; f. a feed zone in thebioreactor, wherein influent or recycles are supplied; or g. a dischargezone in the bioreactor or a clarifier, from which an effluent orrecycles are output.

In an embodiment, the deselector comprises: one or more slottedmanifolds; one or more perforated manifolds; one or more plates; one ormore pipes; or one or more baffles, wherein the pipes are placed at ornear a periphery of the reactor or a clarifier and the baffle isconfigured to direct and separate sludge at the periphery of the reactoror the clarifier.

In an embodiment, the bioreactor comprises a feed zone that receives theinfluent using a differential influent cascade approach.

In an embodiment, the first portion of the biological solids and saiddeselected part of the second portion of the biological solids aresupplied as recycle streams from the selector and deselector,respectively, to at least two different locations in the bioreactor; orthe first portion of the biological solids and said deselected part ofthe second portion of the biological solids are deselected by theselector and deselector, respectively, to increase one or more ofmicrobially produced electron donor, electron acceptor or carbon, and toprovide at least 20% of electron donor, electron acceptor or carbonrequirements for operation of the bioreactor.

In an embodiment, the reactor comprises: a continuous flow reactor; asequencing batch reactor; a modified sequencing batch reactor; anintegrated fixed film activated sludge reactor; an upflow reactor withintegrated clarifier; an upflow reactor with integrated decanter; or amembrane bioreactor.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection step is performed usingenergy within the reactor comprising: a visible, ultraviolet or infraredphoto source; a heat source; a gas source; or a pressure or mixingsource.

The disclosure provides a method for treating wastewater, comprising:supplying an influent containing contaminated water to a reactorcomprising a bioreactor and an internal deselector; treating, by thebioreactor, the contaminated water in a solid-liquid mixture to formbiological solids; retaining or retarding, by the internal deselector, afirst portion of the biological solids from the solid-liquid mixture;outputting, from the reactor to a particle deselector, a deselectedsolid-liquid mixture comprising a second portion of the biologicalsolids; deselecting, by the particle deselector, part of the secondportion of the biological solids in the selected solid-liquid mixture tooutput a deselected part of the second portion of the biological solids;and returning at least one of said second portion of the biologicalsolids and said part of the second portion of the biological solids tothe bioreactor. The internal deselector can be configured to deselectthe first portion of the biological solids from the solid-liquid mixturebased on at least one of pressure differential, flow velocity, flowrate, temperature differential, and electromagnetic energy exposure; andthe particle deselector is configured to deselect the deselected part ofthe second portion of the biological solids based on at least one ofsolids particle density, size, shear-resistance, or compressibility.

In the method, the biological solids can include particles having anaverage solids residence time (avSRT) for selecting fast and slowgrowing organisms with different treatment functions, wherein: particlesin the deselected part of the second portion of the biological solidshave a solids residence time (loSRT) that is lower than the averagesolids residence time (avSRT); and particles in the deselected part ofthe second portion of the biological solids have a solids residence time(hiSRT) that is higher than the average solids residence time (avSRT).

In the method, the deselected part of the second portion of thebiological solids can include particles comprising: a sludge volumeindex less than 80 mL/g; or improved membrane flux or reduced membranefouling.

In the method, the internal deselector can be configured to apply anegative or a positive pressure at or near: a reactor interface of thebioreactor; a clarifier interface; a surface of the reactor; a surfaceof a settling blanket; a periphery of a clarifier; a feed zone in thebioreactor, wherein influent or recycles are supplied; or a dischargezone in the bioreactor or a clarifier, from which an effluent orrecycles are output.

In the method, the internal deselector can comprise: one or more slottedmanifolds; one or more perforated manifolds; one or more plates; one ormore pipes; or one or more baffles, wherein the pipes are placed at ornear a periphery of the reactor or a clarifier and the baffle isconfigured to direct and separate sludge at the periphery of the reactoror the clarifier.

In the method, the bioreactor can comprise a feed zone that receives theinfluent using a differential influent cascade approach.

In the method, the reactor can comprise: a continuous flow reactor; asequencing batch reactor; a modified sequencing batch reactor; anintegrated fixed film activated sludge reactor; an upflow reactor withintegrated clarifier; an upflow reactor with integrated decanter; or amembrane bioreactor.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure maybe set forth or apparent from consideration of the detailed descriptionand drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood that the foregoingsummary of the disclosure and the following detailed description anddrawings provide non-limiting examples that are intended to providefurther explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure asclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure andtogether with the detailed description serve to explain the principlesof the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of thedisclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamentalunderstanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may bepracticed.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection approach at aclarifier periphery.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection approach in anorgan pipe clarifier.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection at a clarifierperiphery mediated by a waterfall baffle.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection approach at a topof a blanket.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection approach followedby an external selection approach that includes a hydrocyclone-baseddensity separation approach.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection approach followedby an external selection approach that includes a screen- orfilter-based separation approach.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection approach in abioreactor, including surface wasting, followed by an external selectionthat includes a hydrocyclone-based density separation approach.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection approach in abioreactor, including an internal lamella, followed by a clarifier andan external selection that includes a hydrocyclone-based densityseparation approach.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a chamber that can be included to managea single return activated sludge (RAS), or multiple RAS, and/or one ormore waste activated sludge (WAS) flows and their disposition.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a double deselection process andsystem.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of retardation of solids by a cascade flowusing bypass of influent.

FIG. 12 depicts an example of a chemolitho or photo selector/deselectorcombined with a gravimetric selector/deselector.

FIG. 13 depicts an example of a membrane tank withselectors/deselectors.

FIG. 14 depicts an example of a sequencing batch reactor withselectors/deselectors.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of an upflow reactor withselectors/deselectors.

FIG. 16 depicts an example of a modified sequencing batch reactor withselectors/deselectors.

The present disclosure is further described in the detailed descriptionthat follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure and its various features and advantageous details areexplained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments andexamples that are described or illustrated in the accompanying drawingsand detailed in the following description. It should be noted thatfeatures illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,and features of one embodiment can be employed with other embodiments asthose skilled in the art would recognize, even if not explicitly stated.Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may beomitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of thedisclosure. The examples are intended merely to facilitate anunderstanding of ways in which the disclosure can be practiced and tofurther enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments ofthe disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is notedthat like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings. The terms “size” and “density selection”are used interchangeably and are incorporated into a single conceptualoutcome of densification.

There are several broad approaches to internal physical selectionincluding densification (retention of dense aggregates), and formanaging the transport of the selected particles (for example, heavyparticles) within the process and the deselection of other particles(for example, light sludge particles).

One approach is to transport particles based on size or density, wherethere are many internal approaches to a reactor or clarifier fordeselection. For example, poorer settling (smaller or less dense)particles can be fed downstream of good settling (larger or more dense)particles within one or more recycle streams, with the poorer settlingparticles being then exposed to preferential deselection in, forexample, a clarifier. The approach of transporting or deselecting poorersettling particles downstream of good settling particles can be achievedusing one or more recycle streams, where the better settling ordensifying particles can be added or transported upstream of the poorersettling particles or conversely the poorer settling particles can bedeselected downstream of good settling particles. Such differentials, aswell as their use, in the recycles or deselection is an aspect of thedisclosure.

Other size or density approaches can include the use of sludgecollectors differentially to collect the lighter fraction thusspecifically exposing them to deselection. Many different types ofsludge collectors can be used in, for example, state-of-the art circularand rectangular clarifiers. These can include the use of physicalhoppers and baffles, as well as collectors that use vacuum, airlift, ormechanical means to move sludge to an internal hopper or external sludgebox. All of these can be used for differential selection as an aspect ofthe disclosure.

Another size or density approach can be to surface collect from thereactor or a clarifier or a settle zone the lighter (smaller or lessdense) particles and expose them to deselection. In this approach, thelighter stratifying fraction can be deselected relative to a heavierfraction in a reactor, a clarifier or a transition between a reactor anda clarifier. Such stratification for surface wasting in a clarifier or asequencing batch reactor is an aspect of the disclosure, includingembodiments that include a size or density deselector. The action ofremoving the lighter fraction and deselection ca be referred to as“surface wasting.”

An embodiment of an internal approach can be to cascade the influent orrecycle flows to promote selection or deselection using substrate ormicroorganism diffusion gradient differentials. The concept of retardingthe flow of mixed liquor can be achieved by adding a bypass or a seriesof cascading bypasses of wastewater or wet weather flows to dilute awaythe sludge as it progresses down a reactor train to address selection ordeselection based on differential diffusion of interest or differentialfeast vs famine conditions, or by different donors or acceptorsprovided. The organisms downstream thus deselect themselves in thebypass (the term bypass denotes the flow of wastewater bypassing thetank and ahead of the batch of wastewater that goes into the front ofthe reactor) ahead of the earlier cascade. This approach of creatingselection or deselection differentials based on the physical forces ofdiffusion is an aspect of the disclosure.

The inventors have discovered an unmet need for a technology solutionthat can provide improved selection, collection and management of sludgeparticles in treatment systems and processes that include pumps, mixersand sludge collectors and recycles.

In various embodiments, the combined or series externalselection/deselection of particles that have been already internallydeselected can substantially improve the overall efficiency and createvirtuous cycles for 1) improving settling characteristics, 2) improvingthickening characteristics, 3) reducing membrane fouling and increasingflux, 4) improving solids residence time uncoupling to grow fast andslow growing organisms, 5) improving selective reactions by providingspecific exposures of sludge particles containing microorganisms todifferential priorities of electron donors and acceptors, and 6)improving production of electron donors or acceptors by selecting forinternal electron donor (including and not limited to internal orexternal carbon storage production, or inorganic chemical donorsproduction) or acceptor (such as from photo or chemo reactions toproduce oxygen, nitrate, nitrite or other higher oxidation statechemicals) production by microorganisms.

In various embodiments, the approach of selection or deselection 1)improves the growth of desired organisms, 2) improves the overall activefractions of these organisms, and 3) improves resource allocation bythese organisms, and 4) improves resource production by these organisms,all within the system. It thus provides for intensification oftreatment, resource efficiency for carbon and energy management, andbetter treatment efficiency. Thus, within the context of ananthropological analogy, one moves from the current hunter gathererexperience of activated sludge process to selective and precisionagriculture of the microbial populations contained within the overallactivated sludge milieu.

An approach, system, or process, according to the principles of thedisclosure, can include, or it can be applied to, a reactor or clarifierhaving any shape, size or configuration, including, for example, acircular shape, a rectangular shape, a spherical shape, or asemi-spherical shape.

The method and apparatus can apply to any treatment of biological solidsin a water or wastewater treatment system where selection or deselectionof biological solids is desired to improve treatment.

An approach, system, or process, according to the principles of thedisclosure, can include, or it can be applied to, for example, asequencing batch reactor with an integrated clarification step and/ordecanter.

An approach, system, or process, according to the principles of thedisclosure, can include, or it can be applied to, for example, amembrane bioreactor.

An approach, system, or process, according to the principles of thedisclosure, can include, or it can be applied to, for example, aninternal or external deselector that can deselect based on density,size, shear, compression, diffusion, or exposure to light or heatenergy.

According one nonlimiting aspect, the disclosure relates to methods andapparatuses involving physical deselection of slow settling particles ina manner to develop a series deselection approach. The concept ofmultiple deselection by analogy can result in multiple selection as theinverse of one concept could lead to the other. The water or wastewaterstream can be subject to a second or multi deselection step or process,which can include, for example, an external selection process thatincludes density-based or size-based particle selection. In an exampleembodiment, particles having poor settling characteristics can beselected and output to a waste stream while particles having goodsettling characteristics can be separated and collected. This serialdeselection or out-selection by combining internal and externalselection for wasting poor settling particles, filaments or flocs is asalient aspect of the technology solution provided by this disclosure. Asimilar approach could involve selection based on another physicalapproach. Any physical approach can be mixed and matched (such asinternal diffusion selection and external density selection).

An approach, system, or process, according to the principles of thedisclosure, can include, or it can be applied to, for example, abioreactor comprising an internal lamella followed by a clarifier and anexternal deselector such as, for example, a hydrocyclone. The lamellacan be an internal or external lamella.

The disclosure also relates to methods and apparatus involving a stagedapproach for collection and management of sludge particles in clarifiersthat have, for example, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, aspherical shape, a semispherical shape, or any other shape that aclarifier can be constructed to have. The methods and apparatuses can beconfigured to select and return good settling particles to a biologicalprocess, while selecting and sending poor settling particles to a wastestream.

The series approach improves the efficiency of deselection, whileallowing for uncoupling of solids residence times (SRTs) of the poor andgood settling particles. This SRT uncoupling allows for slow growingorganisms to grow in the good settling particles, which typically aregranular. The poorer settling particles can support faster growingorganisms. The larger or denser particles can provide resistance tooxygen diffusion and support anoxic or anaerobic conditions, whereorganisms grow more slowly. The smaller particles or flocs can supportgrowth of faster growing aerobic or anoxic heterotrophic organisms.Multiple deselection can support a plurality of different solidsresidence times of particle fractions (for example, two, three or moreSRTs), including, for example, the lowest solids residence time fororganisms subjected to double selection such as with SRT less than 5days, and moderate solids residence time for organisms subject to onlysingle selection with SRT greater than 5 days. The uncoupling can bedevised or controlled as SRT greater or lesser than the average SRT, orcalculated as variance or standard deviations from the mean SRT. In thisway, all of the organisms are preferably grown and harvested at theirappropriate active stage.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method and apparatus areprovided that include multiple (for example, two, three, or more)different solids residence times (SRTs). The multiple SRTs can beprovided by sequencing (or providing in series) two or moremethodologies of deselection, with, for example, a fraction with theseries deselection having the lowest SRT (for example, 1-5 days), afraction with a single deselection having a mid SRT (for example, 5-15days), and a fraction with the most efficiently retained having thelongest SRT (for example, 20-100 days), each fraction having a differentparticle size.

In an embodiment, an approach can have three sludge fractions such as,for example, 1, 4 and 20-days SRTs, respectively, to retain differentorganisms having different growth rates or preferred redoxcharacteristics. The lowest SRT approach can be focused on biomassobserved yield for energy production in sludge processes, while thehighest SRT approach can be focused on an autotrophic function such as,for example, nitrification. The middle SRT can be focused on an anoxicfunction, such as, for example, enhanced biological phosphorus removalunder anoxic conditions. These are merely examples, and other approachesare contemplated by this disclosure. According to an aspect, thetechnology solution can include the production and modulation of SRTs,as well as the number of distinct SRTs that can be provided.

The double deselection (where double anywhere in the disclosure can alsorefer to multiple) can improve resource allocation or resourceproduction by either improving the use or production of electron donoror acceptor by microorganisms. In this way the appropriate substrate(donor or acceptor) is preferentially fed to the appropriate organismsfor resource allocation, or alternatively, the appropriate substrate isproduced by the appropriate organisms when exposed to their preferredproduction conditions. Two conceptual examples are provided, and manyadditional examples are possible within a broader framework.

In an example, a preferential substrate or diffusion hierarchy of donoror acceptor can be understood by providing the appropriate organism thepreferred substrate. For example, using double selection/deselection,nitrifiers are preferentially exposed to oxygen, or via similar means,heterotrophs are preferentially exposed to nitrate as the electronacceptors or otherwise anaerobic conditions. Similarly, heterotrophs maybe preferentially exposed to organic carbon and nitrifiers may bepreferentially exposed to inorganic carbon or ammonia as their substratecarbon or donor source. Thus any heterotroph or autotrophs may also bepreferentially exposed to their electron donors or acceptor using suchmultiple selection approaches entail. By improving such resourcemanagement/allocation of donors and acceptors and their appropriate usewith appropriate organisms, much intensification and improved energymanagement is achieved. Improved treatment is also achieved. Forexample, a 20-50% volume reduction or a similar reduction in energy useis achieved by such improved resource allocation. Much improvedtreatment efficiency exceeding 90% removal of desired constituent isalso achieved.

The double selection or deselection by means of appropriatelyrepositioning the return streams also allows for variable production ofinternal electron donor or acceptor. For example, the larger particlesin the underflow of a hydrocyclone may facilitate redox conditionsand/or promote the growth of slow growing organisms that storesubstrates (such as polyhydroxyalkanoate or glycogen) that can berelocated to facilitate storage under feast conditions under anaerobicconditions, while autotrophs may be grown in famine conditions whereorganic substrates are not present or needed and to produce an electronacceptor such as nitrite or nitrate. Thus, the selection or deselectionof streams for optimized substrate (donor or acceptor) production whencombined with an external size or density selector/deselector such as ahydrocyclone or screen is conceived in this invention. Another approachis to produce either donor or acceptor using a photo source combinedwith an external selector such as a screen or hydrocyclone (or otherwiseany size or density separation device). A photo source could henceselect or deselect organisms that favor or disfavor light and thus usethese organisms to produce an electron donor (organic carbon) such aswith purple bacteria or electron acceptor (such as oxygen) such as withcyanobacteria. The broader category of phototrophs to perform theaforementioned donor or acceptor production, are used to be moreinclusive and to comprise any organism that can produce such donors oracceptors at any location or time sequence of a process or in anyreactor format. The same could apply to chemotrophs or approaches usinga heat source. All of these approaches need electrical energy to helpinfluence the physical selection or deselection. Thus, the combinedinternal selection/deselection and external selection/deselection oforganisms to produce microbially produced electron donor or electronacceptor is also a subject of this invention in a much broaderconception of using selectors to produce microbially induced donors oracceptors. The internally produced carbon (from storage andselection/deselection) could satisfy 10-100 percent of the electrondonor needs and the internally produced electron acceptor (from suchselection/deselection) could also satisfy from 10-100 percent of theelectron acceptor needs. We propose a minimum of 20% of donor, acceptoror carbon production through such means. By improving such production ofdonors and acceptors by appropriate organisms, much intensification andimproved energy management is achieved. Improved treatment is alsoachieved.

There are numerous different types of state-of-the art sludge collectorsin use for circular and rectangular clarifiers. These include, forexample, physical hoppers and baffles, as well as collectors that usevacuum, airlift, or mechanical means to move sludge to an internalhopper or external sludge box. There exists an opportunity to introducemultiple (for example, two) hoppers, or otherwise use a single hopper tocollect the return activated sludge (RAS) and to include, for example, abottom collector mechanism (for example, a lift or a vacuum) to collectthe slowest settling particles found usually at the extremity from theinfluent supply in, for example, a circular or rectangular clarifier,typically near the periphery of the effluent weir.

The disclosure provides methods and apparatuses that can include thecollection of smaller waste flows (for example, compared to an RASflow), which can be collected separately and directly from, for example,a bioreactor or a clarifier instead of from a combined RAS or mixedliquor flow. This separate and direct collection of waste can allow fora graded approach for collecting the lightest particles using differenttypes of apparatuses, including, for example: one or more suction pipespositioned at a periphery in an organ pipe arrangement; or includingseparate perforated pipes or plates applied near the periphery (forexample, at an extreme end of an influent); or, including moving vacuumsludge collectors that can alternately return sludge to a biologicalreactor near the influent feed section and waste sludge at theperiphery. A waterfall baffle can also be used, where the sludge on thehopper side of a baffle is returned to the bioreactor and the sludge onthe outside of the baffle is collected for waste, as needed.

Another approach is to include an internal or external lamellaassociated with a bioreactor. In an embodiment, the sludge collected canmake its way upstream in the bioreactor internal mixed liquor recycle,while the poorer settling particles can be removed in a clarifier,subject at least in part to wasting and deselection. A final approachcan include sending the lighter surface waste in the bioreactor to wasteand deselection while an underflow of the clarifier can be returned as arecycle stream. Accordingly, internal selection of poor settlingparticles can be carried out for wasting (referred to as “deselection”or “internal deselection”). The term “out” can indicate that a selectionapproach occurs to waste material.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a second (or subsequent) deselectionprocess can be included in the technology solution. The subsequentdeselection process can include, for example, an external lamella,hydrocyclone, classifier, centrifuge, upflow separator, or otherdensity-based particle deselector, or otherwise a screen or a filter fora size deselector. The subsequent deselection process can be configuredin series with, for example, above-discussed approaches that includedensity or size-based particle selection. Shear or compression forcescan be used to help physically obtain the out-selected particles, wherethe sheared and compressed particles are out-selected while theparticles surviving such shear or compression are retained. Thus, themulti-deselection (for example, double selection) is an aspect of thetechnology solution.

In an embodiment, the method and apparatus can include an externaldeselector for physical selection, such as, for example, one or morehydrocyclones or one or more screens, a photo or heat source (includingLED or mercury bulb for any wavelength of light including UV, visible orinfrared) or a shear mixer.

In an embodiment, the method and apparatus can include an internaldeselector for physical deselection, such as, for example, surfacewasting for removal of non-desirous filaments and foam causingorganisms.

In an embodiment, the wastewater treatment system processes biologicalsolids for water or wastewater treatment, wherein at least one of aninternal and an external physical deselection is performed usingpressure, flow, heat or light to achieve a physical deselectiondifferential, with a minimum of two or more internal-externaldeselection steps provided. The internal and external physicaldeselection steps can include, in series, an internal deselector and adeselector, which can deselect biological solids based on changes in anyof density, size, shear-resistance, compressibility,diffusion-characteristics, photo-sensitivity or temperature-sensitivity,and to improve the selective retention of biological solids that arefavorable for such the treatment, comprising: (a) a reactor for water orwastewater treatment receiving an influent contaminated water source;(b) a decanter, an integrated or external clarifier, or a membraneseparator, or a filter; (c) a first internal selector (or deselector)that deselects the biological solids particles within the reactor,decanter or, clarifier, separator, or the filter, followed by; (d) anexternal deselector that further removes and deselects particles inseries.

In an embodiment, the method and apparatus can bring these twoapproaches together in an approach of series deselection that involves acombination of internal and external selection. This series approachallows for improved overall deselection efficiency for improveddensification, granulation and improvements to sludge volume index andsettling velocity. It also allows for a range of particle size ordensities to promote internal core redox conditions for slower growingorganisms within the inside of these particles or granules that promoteor improve function such as for nutrient removal. The approach allowsfor series SRT uncoupling, allowing for multiple functions frommaximizing yield to maximizing treatment function. In embodiments, themethod and apparatus can include such ecologically inspired functionspromoted by floc or granule formation, calibrated by redox and SRTformulations, and performed by a combination of internal and externalselection.

In an embodiment, an internal selection approach (or methodology) can beprovided within circular or rectangular clarifiers. The internalselection approach can be configured to include a separate lift orvacuum or an outer hopper, which can be applied at or near a peripheryof a clarifier, such as, for example, near an effluent weir, to removethe slower settling particles that drift outwards. The internalselection approach can be further configured to separate the fastersettling particles, which can then be returned in the return activatedsludge to, for example, a bioreactor. An alternate approach can be towaste at the top of the blanket and return the more compressed sludge atthe bottom of the blanket in the return activated sludge.

An embodiment of the disclosure can include clarification-baseddifferential internal selection and a combined internal-plus-externalmulti-selection approach. The selection and removal (also referred to asdeselection or outselection) of poor settling flocs, filaments orparticles can be a revolutionary approach for wastewater treatment. Itcan provide intensification by increasing a total inventory of mixedliquor in a biological process by improving settling and thickeningcharacteristics of liquor. It can also provide intensification byincreasing an active inventory of mixed liquor through solids residencetime (SRT) uncoupling, allowing for multiple residence times for fastand slow growing organisms. By maintaining the most optimum SRT fororganisms based on their growth rate, the overall active mass inventorycan be increased. So, multiple (for example, double or triple)deselection with at least the first deselection stage comprising aninternal deselector, can facilitate cultivating organisms at their mostoptimized active fractions within a single process while at the sametime exploiting other functional attributes associated with improveddensification or particle size that allow for increase in the inventorywithin the process itself.

In an embodiment, a multi-deselection approach can include starting withan interesting and important congruence that larger sized or denserparticles settle well and can increase overall settling velocities. Thisapproach can increase the mass of inventory supported in a system as afirst approach. At the same time, the larger or denser particles canoffer advantages of promoting multiple redox conditions afforded by masstransfer (diffusion) resistance for oxygen or other electron acceptorsto support populations for a treatment function, such as, for example,denitrification or phosphorus removal, as a second approach. Some of thelower redox conditions can support slow growing organisms, which can beretained and not deselected. The ability to support multiple solidsresidence times from serial deselection can facilitate retention of thelarger particles, which, by not being deselected, can becomeself-agglutinating carriers for such slow growing low redox organisms,as well as slow growing autotrophs that may operate at higher redoxconditions. The mid-range particles can support other organisms such asdenitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms that are subject to onlya single deselection; and the smaller particles can supportheterotrophic organisms that because of double deselection grow fast,have high yield and consequent high energy production within anaerobicdigesters. All such organisms can be maintained at their highest activefractions through periodic process control of the deselection process byadjusting the efficiencies of the deselection.

In embodiments, various approaches for internal deselection can beprovided, including, for example, with process equipment in operatingclarifiers. For example, an internal deselection approach can include avacuum, an air lift or a pump operation at a top of a blanket to removethe slowest settling particles.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection approach can include an organpipe arrangement configured to send slower settling particles from aperipheral pipe inlet to a waste line while other pipes are configuredto contain sludge that is returned as a recycle stream.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection approach can include a vacuumor a lift arrangement for wasting peripheral sludge near an effluentweir only.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection approach can include one ormore waterfall baffles that are configured to retain slow settlingorganisms in a periphery for deselection. The waterfall baffle can beplaced, for example, between about 25% and about 75% of the distancebetween an inlet and an outlet.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection approach can include a movingvacuum system, which can be manifolded in a manner to waste sludge onlywhen the system reaches the periphery.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection approach can include a systemcomprising a perforated manifold and one or more plates or pipes in aperiphery to collect the slower settling sludge.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection approach can include a systemcomprising a double hopper with a peripheral hopper included to manageand collect the slower settling organisms. Here, the periphery can bereferred to sludge withdrawal away from the influent, for example, atabout 50% or greater horizontal distance (for example, measured radiallyfor a circular and along length for a rectangular clarifier) between aclarifier inlet or feed (for example, first feed point in case ofmultiple feed points) and a clarifier outlet (for example, effluent weiror decanter), preferably greater than about ⅔rd distance, and morepreferably greater than 75% distance.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection approach can include abioreactor and a lamella or surface wasting

In an embodiment, the external deselector can include a density, size,shear, compression or viscosity management device that uses physics toimpart deselection. The external deselector can include a hydrocyclone,a centrifuge, a classifier, an external lamella or another device thatcan support external deselection based on density gradients where alighter fraction can be deselected because of seemingly small specificgravity differences, such as, for example, between about 1.01 and about1.04, or even as high as 1.10.

In an embodiment, the external deselector can include a screen, a filteror another device that can select or separate particles based on size orcompressibility, and that can be used for deselection where, forexample, smaller particles are wasted.

In an embodiment, shear can be included in the deselection approach tobreakup particles less resistant to shear and have them deselected.

In an embodiment, compression can be included in the deselectionapproach to remove less rigid particles for deselection such as throughits passage through pores in a screen or filter.

In an embodiment, the deselection approach can include a viscositygradient using a phase separator to remove the more viscous slowerflowing particles.

In various embodiments, the internal/external deselection approach caninclude an internal/external selection approach, and internal/externaldeselection can include internal/external selection.

In various embodiments, the internal/external selection approach caninclude an internal/external deselection approach, and internal/externalselection can include internal/external deselection. For internaldeselection or selection, the approach can occur from the physical useof an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, connected to a pump, or the use of asource of energy or electrons being donated or accepted, thereof.

In certain embodiments, the deselection approach can include externalselection or deselection in combination with internal selection ordeselection is of interest. These approaches can be configured in aseries arrangement, wherein, for example, an output of one deselectionapproach is supplied to an input of the other deselection approach,thereby providing multi-deselection, or double deselection in thisexample. Additional deselection stages can be added in series to providetriple deselection, or greater than triple deselection.

The disclosure provides a multi-deselection approach that can increaseSRT uncoupling by a factor ranging from approximately two (2) to five(5) times, or greater, for denser or larger size fraction relative tothe lighter and smaller particles for a single deselection approach. Fordouble deselection, the SRT uncoupling is about double the singledeselection range, and from about four (4) to about ten (10) times fordenser or larger size fraction relative to the lighter and smallerparticles. The template particle morphology for dense or large particleis a granule and the template particle morphology for a light and smallparticle is a floc. Double deselection can better retain slow growingorganisms on one end of the spectrum, and washout fast growing organismson the other end of the spectrum continuum. In a preferred embodiment,the multi-deselection approach can host multiple (for example, two ormore SRT uncoupled) organism groups in their most appropriate massfractions for most effective treatment, referred to as “activeinventory.”

The present disclosure provides, in certain embodiments, an SRTuncoupling approach that can include an internal deselection approachperformed within, for example, a reactor or clarifier, and an externaldeselection approach performed using a size or density selector.

In certain embodiments, the external deselection approach can provide aSludge Volume Index (SVI) of less than 100 mL/g (SVI <100 mL/g), and themulti-deselection approach, which also includes the internal deselectionapproach, can provide an SVI of less than 80 mL/g (SVI <80 mL/g).

The multi-deselection approach can be applied to, or included with, anytype of activated sludge reactor, including, for example, a bioreactorand a clarifier, a sequencing batch reactor, a modified sequencing batchreactor, an integrated fixed film activated sludge reactor, an upflowreactor with integrated clarifier or decanter, or a membrane bioreactor.Fixed, moving or mobile media as biofilms can be used if desired in anyreactor configuration. The modified sequencing batch reactor can includea single or multiple reactor tanks in series, in a step feedconfiguration, with at least two sequenced clarifiers. The upflowreactor can include feed piping located at the bottom of the reactorwith an integrated clarifier or decanter at the top of the reactor. Inthe figures, if an inlet or outlet is not explicitly shown for a reactoror a clarifier, it needs to be assumed to have such inlet or outlet. Thepurpose of the figure is to show the key embodiment for performingselection.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a clarifier 100, with an internaldeselection approach that comprises a physical deselector having aninternal selection vector 103, according to the principles of thedisclosure. The clarifier 100 includes an inlet pipe or channel 101,which can be configured to receive a solid-liquid mixture containingsoluble organic and inorganic contaminants and particulate materialsfrom a reactor using 108, and send material from 102 back to thereactor. The vector 103 can include an extraction system (not shown)comprising, for example, a vacuum or a pump that removes the lightermaterial in the periphery of the clarifier 100, which can then be outputto be wasted.

Any of the various embodiments of the internal selection approachdiscussed below can include a physical deselector 109 that is includedinternally in a reactor (for example, reactor 750, shown in FIG. 7) orexternal to the reactor, or internally in the clarifier 100 or externalto the clarifier 100. The physical deselector 109 can comprise one ormore pipes, one or more plates, a baffle, a manifold, a slottedmanifold, a perforated manifold, a pump, a vacuum, a heat source, a gassource, a pressure source, a mixing source, a cooling device, anelectromagnetic energy source (including, for example, infrared,visible, and ultraviolet wavelengths), a motor, a drive, a filter, amembrane, a clarifier, a centrifuge, a cyclone, a hydrocyclone, a tank,a reactor, or any combination thereof. The selector can be configured toperform any of the various embodiments of internal approaches disclosedor contemplated by this disclosure, including performing the variousvectors disclosed herein, including vectors 103, 201-204, 304, 403, 503,and 603 discussed below. The physical selector 109 can include, forexample, the energy source 1204 (shown in FIG. 12).

The selector can be configured to perform an internal selection (ordeselection) approach by, for example, using a negative or positivepressure at or near a reactor interface or clarifier interface. Theinternal selection approach can, for example, be performed: at a surfaceof the reactor or surface of a settling blanket; at a periphery of theclarifier; using slotted or perforated manifolds, plates or pipes thatare placed near the periphery; using a baffle that directs and separatessludge at the periphery; at a feed zone for influent or recyclesaddition; or at a discharge zone for effluent or recycles.

In various embodiments, the selector can include an energy sourceprovided in the reactor (for example, reactor 750, shown in FIG. 7) thatprovides energy to deselect/select particles, including biologicalsolids, from a liquid-solid mixture. The energy source can include, forexample, an electromagnetic energy source (visible light, ultravioletlight, or infrared), a heat source, a gas source (for example, oxygen,air, nitrogen, etc.), a pressure source (for example, pump or vacuum),and a mixing source (for example, mixer, motor, etc.).

In various embodiments, the selector can be configured to separatelighter or less dense particles that occur at the surface of a solidsblanket or away from the clarifier influent at the periphery. Theselector can include negative or positive pressure, for example, using avacuum, lift or pump mechanism that is applied either directly to thesludge, or include collectors such as, for example, perforated orslotted pipes, plates or manifolds, or baffles to direct or separate twoor more sludge withdrawals or rake arms that assist in collecting atleast one of two or more sludge withdrawals.

The internal deselection approach can be applied at a periphery of theclarifier 100, away from the inlet piping or channel 101, and nearer tothe effluent weir or decanter (not shown) where poorer settling sludgewill tend to migrate and settle. The internal deselection approach canhave, for example, the internal selection vector 103 depicted in FIG. 1.A return activated sludge (RAS) 102 can be collected from an underflowoutlet or hopper of the clarifier 100. The RAS 102 can be collected andsupplied to a return activated sludge (RAS) box (not shown) or returnedas a recycle stream to an input of, for example, the clarifier 100, areactor (not shown), or another stage of a wastewater treatment processor system (not shown). The pipe or channel 108 can receive flow from aflow source 105. In various embodiments, the flow source 105 can includea reactor, which can be configured to receive flow of influentwastewater or primary effluent.

In an embodiment, the flow source 105 includes optional combinations ofthe following: a pretreatment system (not shown) that is configured toreceive wastewater from a sewage system (not shown) and process thewastewater in one or more pretreatment stages, including, for example, abar screen (not shown) configured to remove larger objects such as cans,rags, sticks, plastic packets, and the like, from the wastewater; apre-treatment chamber (not shown) containing, for example, a sand orgrit chamber or channel configured to adjust a velocity of the incomingwastewater and thereby allow the settlement of, for example, sand, grit,stones, broken glass, and the like; a tank for removal of, for example,fat, grease, and the like; or a primary separator, such as, for example,a clarifier tank, or a sediment tank, for gravity settling. The primaryseparator can include a chemical or ballast material that is added toimprove solids removal. Downstream of the separator is a process orreactor often called an activated sludge process. The clarifier iscomprised of this process. The resultant solid-liquid mixture containingsoluble organic and inorganic contaminants and particulate materials canbe output from the reactor (in the flow source 105) and fed, directly orindirectly, via outlet 108 to the inlet pipe or channel 101 as influentinto the clarifier 100. The lighter or poorly settling material istypically at the top or periphery of the blanket and is removed by thevector 103.

Although illustrated as having a circular shape in the embodimentsdepicted in the figures, the clarifier 100 can have any shape,including, for example, a rectangular shape, a cone shape, a cylindricalshape, an elliptical shape, a spherical shape, or a semi-sphericalshape.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of an internal selection approachcomprising an internal selector, in which the clarifier 100 comprises anorgan pipe clarifier. In this embodiment, the clarifier 100 can includea selector 109 comprising multiple pipes, each of which can beconfigured to lift sludge from near the bottom of the clarifier 100 anddirect the lifted sludge in the clarifier 100 away from the bottom,according to, for example, selection vectors 201, 202, 203, and 204. Themultiple pipes can be configured to facilitate multiple internalselection vectors, such as, for example, the internal selection vectors201, 202, 203, 204 depicted in FIG. 2. The pipes can be configured tosupply the sludge into a return activated sludge (RAS) box (not shown).

In an embodiment, the clarifier 100 includes an underflow outlet (notshown) at which RAS can be collected. The RAS can be collected andsupplied to a RAS box (for example, chamber 900, shown in FIG. 9) orreturned as a recycle stream to an input of, for example, the clarifier100, a reactor (not shown), or another stage of a wastewater treatmentprocess or system (not shown).

The clarifier 100 can be configured to receive a solid-liquid mixturefrom, for example, the outlet 108 from the flow source 105 (shown inFIG. 1). The peripheral pipes can each be located away from the inlet101. Any one or more of the pipes can be configured to collect sludgenear the bottom of the clarifier 100 and send the collected sludge tosolids handling (not shown) or waste (not shown), for example, in awaste stream.

The internal deselection approach depicted in FIG. 2 associated with theorgan pipes can include one or more vacuums or pumps. The lighter orpoorly settling material is typically at the top or periphery of theblanket and can be removed by the vector 201. The vectors 202, 203, and204 can be configured to remove the lighter or poorly settling materialdownward of, or along a periphery of the blanket. In an embodiment, thevector 201 can remove material at the top or periphery of the blanket;the vector 202 can be configured to either remove or return sludge tothe reactor; the vector 203 can be configured to remove or return sludgeto the reactor; and, the vector 204 can be configured to remove orreturn sludge to the reactor.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an internal deselection approach thatincludes an internal selector, wherein the approach includes a clarifier100 having a waterfall baffle 303. The clarifier 100 can be supplied,via the inlet 101, with the solid-liquid mixture 108. The internaldeselection approach can include an internal selection vector 304 at aperiphery of the clarifier 100, away from the inlet 101. The internalselection vector 304 can be mediated by the waterfall baffle 303. Thewaterfall baffle 303 can be applied to direct sludge flow to a hopper(not shown) or an underflow at which the RAS (return activated sludge)102 can be collected. The internal selection vector 304 can be appliedto direct sludge leeward of the baffle 303 to a separate sludgecollector (not shown) for solids handling or wasting.

The RAS 102 can be collected and supplied to a return activated sludge(RAS) box (not shown) or returned as a recycle stream to an input of,for example, the clarifier 100, a reactor (not shown), or another stageof a wastewater treatment process or system (not shown). The lighter orpoorly settling material is typically at the top or periphery of theblanket and is removed by the vector 304.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of an internal deselection approach inwhich the clarifier 100 comprises a blanket. The clarifier 100 caninclude a deep clarifier, such as, for example, greater than ten feet(10 ft.) in depth and that can support a blanket. Here, the internaldeselection approach can be configured such that the sludge from the topone-third, or less, and preferably the top 25%, of the blanket can bepartly used to supply deselected solids. The internal deselectionapproach can include an internal selection vector 403, as depicted, thatcan be applied to the blanket to supply the deselected solids.

The clarifier 100 can be supplied, via the inlet 101, with thesolid-liquid mixture 108. The RAS 102 can be collected from an underflowoutlet or hopper of the clarifier 100. The RAS 102 can be collected andsupplied to the RAS box (for example, chamber 900, shown in FIG. 9) orreturned as a recycle stream to an input of, for example, the clarifier100, a reactor (for example, in the flow source 105, shown in FIG. 1),or another stage of a wastewater treatment process or system (notshown).

In various embodiments, the clarifier 100 can include a sequencing batchreactor or an upflow reactor with an integrated clarification ordecanting step. The lighter or poorer settling material is typically atthe top of the blanket of the reactor or clarifier and is removed by thevector 403.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a multi-deselection approach comprisingthe clarifier 100 with an internal deselection approach, including aninternal selector, and a density-based (DB) deselector 550 with anexternal deselection approach. The clarifier 100 can include a wasteoutlet 107 coupled to an input of the DB deselector 550. The clarifier100 can be supplied, via the inlet 101, with the solid-liquid mixture108. The clarifier 100 can include an output 120. In an embodiment, theclarifier 100 includes an internal deselection approach that can includean internal selection vector 503 using and aforementioned internaldeselection approaches. The internal deselection approach can beincluded in a periphery of the clarifier 100, away from the inlet 101.The lighter and poorer settling material is typically at the top orperiphery of the blanket and is removed by the relevant vectors to theDB.

In certain embodiments, the internal deselection approach (in FIG. 5)can include one or more internal selection vectors, including, forexample, internal selection vectors 103, 201-204, 304, 403, or 503discussed above.

The DB deselector 550 can include, for example, a hydrocyclone, acentrifuge, a lamella, a classifier, a screen, a filter, or any compactdevice capable of density-based particle selection. The DB deselector550 can include, for example, the gravimetric selector 11 described inU.S. Pat. No. 9,242,882, titled “Method and Apparatus for WastewaterTreatment Using Gravimetric Selection,” or the gravimetric selector 260described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,670,083, titled “Method and Apparatus forWastewater Treatment Using External Selection,” both of which are herebyincorporated herein by this reference in their entireties.

The DB deselector 550 can be configured to receive the solid-liquidmixture from the clarifier 500, via the outlet 107, and carry out anexternal deselection approach comprising classifying, separating orsorting solids/particles in the solid-liquid mixture based on density ofthe solids/particles compared to the rest of the solids/particles in themixture. The DB deselector 550 can be configured to separate densifiedsolids/particles that tend to exhibit good settling characteristics fromless dense solids/particles that tend to exhibit poor settlingcharacteristics.

The DB deselector 550 can be configured to output the densifiedsolids/particles at a recycle stream output 505 as an underflow, whichcan then be fed back to the clarifier 100, a reactor (not shown) oranother stage of a wastewater treatment process for further processing,including, for example, bioreaction or digestion. The DB deselector 550can be configured to output the remainder of the received solid-liquidmixture at its waste stream output 504, which can contain smallerparticles and colloids that have the potential to cause membranebioreactor (MBR) membrane fouling, cause turbidity in effluent, orinduce membrane air diffuser fouling.

The RAS 102 can be collected from an underflow outlet or hopper of theclarifier 100. The RAS 102 can be collected and supplied to a RAS box(for example, chamber 900, shown in FIG. 9) or returned as a recyclestream to an input of, for example, the clarifier 100, a reactor (notshown), or another stage of the wastewater treatment process or system(not shown).

In an embodiment, the internal deselection approach depicted in FIG. 5removes the lighter or poorer settling material that is typically at thetop or periphery of the blanket and is removed via a pump (not shown) bythe vector 503 and then exposed to further deselection and wasted via504. In an embodiment, the lighter or poorer settling material can beremoved via the pump (not shown) or a vacuum (not shown) by the vector503 and wasted via the outlet 120.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a multi-deselection approach comprisingthe clarifier 100 with an internal deselection approach, including aninternal selector, and a particle size-compressibility (PSC) deselector650 with an external deselection approach, according to the principlesof the disclosure. The clarifier 100 can include the inlet 101 and theinternal deselector outlet 107, which can be coupled to an input of thePSC deselector 650. The clarifier 100 can be supplied, via the inlet101, with the solid-liquid mixture 108 and output, via outlet 107, aprocessed solid-liquid mixture to the PSC deselector 650. The internaldeselection approach can include an internal selection vector 603. Theinternal deselection approach can be included in a periphery of theclarifier 100, away from the inlet 101.

In certain embodiments, the internal deselection approach (in FIG. 6)can include one or more internal deselection vectors, including, forexample, internal selection vectors 103, 201-204, 304, 403, 503, or 603discussed above.

The PSC deselector 650 can include, for example, a screen, a filter, amembrane or a device capable of separating particles based on size orcompressibility or resistance to shear of the particles compared to therest of the particles in the solid-liquid mixture received from theoutlet 607. The PSC deselector 650 can include a mesh or a non-meshstructure, and can be a drum, stationary, band or vibrating device, aswill be understood by those skilled in the art. The PSC deselector 650can include the gravimetric selector 260 or membrane apparatus 10described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,670,083, which has been incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. The PSC deselector 650 can include anoptional screen wash, such as the screen wash 5 described in U.S. Pat.No. 9,670,083, to further assist in a screening process.

The PSC deselector 650 can be configured to receive the solid-liquidmixture from the clarifier 100, via the outlet 107, and separaterecyclable solids from the rest of the received solid-liquid mixturebased on size and compressibility of the solids/particles in themixture. The typical ranges of size for selection can range from as lowas 10 microns to as high as 1000 microns. However, the preferred rangeis between 200-500 microns. Any value between 10 and 1000 microns areherewith disclosed as possible. The portion of the solid-liquid mixturethat passes through the PSC deselector 650, for example, wasteconstituents, can be output as a waste stream to at a waste outlet 604as a deselected portion; and, the solids/particles that are retained bythe PSC selected 650 can be output to a return outlet 605, which can bereturned, for example, to a bioreactor (not shown) or another stage of awastewater treatment process for further processing, including, forexample, bioreaction or digestion to a bioreactor (not shown).

The RAS 102 can be collected from an underflow outlet or hopper of theclarifier 100. The RAS 102 can be collected and supplied to a RAS box(for example, chamber 900, shown in FIG. 9) or returned as a recyclestream to an input of, for example, the clarifier 100, a reactor (notshown), or another stage of the wastewater treatment process or system(not shown).

The internal deselection approach depicted in FIG. 6 can include a pump(not shown) or a vacuum (not shown) that removes the lighter or lesssettleable material that is typically at the top or periphery of theblanket and is removed by the vector 603.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a wastewater treatment system 10comprising a multi-deselection approach, according to the principles ofthe disclosure. The system 10 includes the clarifier 100 with aninternal deselection approach, a reactor 750 and the DB deselector 550with the external deselection approach. The system 10 can be configuredto receive an influent 701 at an input of the reactor 750. The influent701 can contain a solid-liquid mixture containing soluble organic andinorganic contaminants and particulate materials. The influent 701 canbe received from an external source (not shown), such as, for example,the flow source 105 (shown in FIG. 1). For instance, the input of thereactor 750 can be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the outlet 108 ofthe flow source 105.

In an embodiment, the flow source 105 (shown in FIG. 1) includes thereactor 750.

The reactor 750 can include a bioreactor, a membrane bioreactor (MBR), amoving bed bioreactor (MBBR), a fixed-bed reactor, anelectro-biochemical reactor (EBR), a hollow fiber bioreactor, a membranebiofilm reactor, a batch reactor, a fed batch reactor, a continuousreactor, a continuous stirred-tank reactor, a plug flow reactor or adevice or system that can support a biologically active environment. Thereactor 750 can be configured to carry out a treatment process, such as,for example, a suspended growth activated sludge process, a granularprocess, an integrated fixed-film activated sludge process, a biologicalnutrient removal process, an aerobic digestion process, or an anaerobicdigestion process.

The reactor 750 can be configured for surface wasting of thebiologically active mixture at an output 707 of the reactor 750, whichcan be supplied to an input of the DB deselector 550. In an embodiment,the clarifier 100 can be configured for surface wasting (of the blanket)of the mixture at output 7007 of the clarifier 100. The DB deselector550 can, via an external deselection approach comprising density-basedseparation, separate densified solids/particles from the surface wastedmixture and output the densified solids/particles at the recycle streamoutput 505, which can then be returned to the reactor 750, the clarifier100, or another stage of a wastewater treatment process for furtherprocessing, including, for example, bioreaction or digestion. The DBdeselector 550 can output the remainder of the surface wastedsolid-liquid mixture, which has been double deselected, at the wastestream output 504, which can contain smaller particles and colloids thathave the potential to cause MBR membrane fouling (if membrane system isin lieu of a clarifier), cause turbidity in effluent, or induce membraneair diffuser fouling.

The clarifier 100 can apply an internal deselection approach, which caninclude, for example, one or more of the internal selection vectors 103,201-204, 304, 403, 503, or 603 discussed above.

The clarifier 100 can be configured to receive a solid-liquid mixturefrom an output of the reactor 750, apply the internal deselectionapproach and separate the solid-liquid mixture according to the internaldeselection approach to output the RAS 102 and the clarifier output 120.In various embodiments, this clarifier output 120 can be included in anyaforementioned clarifier in previous figures not showing such output. Aportion of the RAS 102 can be combined with the surface waste 707 if,for example, 707 is insufficient in quantity or too thin inconcentration. A ratio of between 10% RAS (702) and 90% surface waste(707) to 90% RAS (102) and 10% surface waste (707) is possible. 100%surface waste (707) is also possible.

In an embodiment, the RAS 102 is collected from the underflow outlet orhopper of the clarifier 100. The RAS 102 can be collected and suppliedto a RAS box (for example, chamber 900, shown in FIG. 9) or returned asa recycle stream to an input of, for example, the reactor 750, clarifier100, the DB deselector 550, or another stage of the wastewater treatmentprocess or system (not shown).

As discussed above, the embodiment of the wastewater treatment system 10comprises the multi-deselection approach of the internal deselectionapproach applied in the reactor 750 and the external deselectionapproach applied in the DB deselector 550. As depicted in FIG. 7, themulti-deselection approach includes the external deselection approach inthe DB deselector 550 arranged in series with, and after, the internaldeselection approach in the reactor 750. Other multi-deselectionapproaches are contemplated by this disclosure, including, for example,combinations of, but not limited to, peripheral approaches, otherdensity separation approaches, size separation approaches, shear-basedseparation approaches or compression-based separation or combinationapproaches.

In an embodiment of the wastewater treatment system 10, the recyclestream 505 and RAS 102 can be supplied in return lines to two differentlocations in the reactor 750, such as with the return line from 505preceding the RAS 102 to thus send specific organisms contained in theline 505 relative to the RAS 102 to specific donors or acceptors. Forexample, the larger and/or denser materials in line 505 and/or RAS line702 can be sent to a feast zone (not shown) in the reactor 750, whilethe smaller or less dense fraction in line 505 and/or RAS line 102 canbe sent directly to an anoxic tank (not shown) in ananaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (A2O) process approach. The vice versa is alsopossible, as needed.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of a wastewater treatment system 20comprising a multi-deselection approach, according to the principles ofthe disclosure. The wastewater treatment system 20 can include theclarifier 100, reactor 750 and DB deselector 550, as depicted. Thereactor 750 can include an internal lamella 2. In an embodiment, thereactor 750 can include a decanter. The multi-deselection approach, inthe system 20, includes an internal deselection approach in the reactor750 followed by the clarifier 100 with outlet 120 and RAS 102, followedby an external deselection approach in the DB deselector 550 with anunderflow 505 returned to the reactor 750 and the deselected overflow504 output, for example, as a waste stream.

In an embodiment, the system 20 can include an external lamella ordecanter in place of, or in addition to the lamella (or decanter) 2. Anunderflow of the lamella or the non-decanted material 804 containinglarger or denser material is retained, or returned in a mixed liquorrecycle 806, while the lamella or decanter contained stream is sent, viathe outlet 703, to the clarifier 100 for settling, additional return,and wasting either from a common hopper or using peripheral or blanketsurface removal approaches, discussed above. The external deselectionapproach can include density-based selection in the case of the DBdeselector 550. This approach also enhances densification for improvedsettling or thickening properties.

In certain embodiments, the PSC deselector 650 (shown in FIG. 6) can beincluded in addition to, or in place of, the DB deselector 550. In suchembodiments, the external deselection approach can include density,size, shear or compression, or any combination thereof in separatingprocess-promoting material comprising densified or largersolids/particles or granules from non-process-promoting materialcomprising less dense or smaller or less compressible solids orparticles. Process-promotion material can include, for example, growthactivated granules or material that can promote or facilitate growth ofone or more classes of microorganisms that can facilitate bioreaction,biodigestion or biological selection in the reactor 750. These processescan be characterized by biomass with a higher density and particle sizethan, for example, flocculent biomass.

In certain embodiments, the system 20 can include an external lamella, ahigh-rate clarifier with optional multiple withdrawals, weir, ordecanter. The system 20 can include a surface waste device in lieu ofthe internal lamella 2. The effluent from such a device can be directlywasted and/or sent to the clarifier 100 for return or wasting.

In an embodiment of the wastewater treatment system 20, the recyclestream 505 and the RAS 102 can be supplied in return lines to twodifferent locations in the reactor 750. For example, the larger and/ordenser materials in line 505 and/or RAS line 102 can be sent to a feastselector zone (not shown) in the reactor 750, while the smaller or lessdense fraction in line 505 and/or RAS line 102 can be sent directly toan anoxic tank (not shown) in an anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (A2O) processapproach. The vice versa is also possible, as needed. This approachhelps improve either resource allocation or resource production for andby the microorganism in the sludge as previously discussed. Thisapproach also enhances densification for improved settling or thickeningproperties.

In an embodiment, the wastewater treatment system 20 can include aninternal selection approach comprising the bioreactor 750 using aninternal lamella 2 or an external lamella (not shown) as part of thereactor, or between the reactor 750 and a clarifier (not shown),followed by the clarifier 100, with the outlet 120 and RAS 102, followedby external selection DB 550 (for example, using hydrocyclone-baseddensity separation) with the underflow 505 returned to the bioreactor750. The internal recycle 806 in the reactor 750 can return the heaviersettled fraction upstream of the RAS 102. In this approach, an externallamella or decanter is also possible.

The underflow of the lamella 2 can include the non-decanted material 806containing larger or denser material, which can be retained, or returnedin a mixed liquor recycle, while the lamella or decanter containedstream is sent, via 703, to the clarifier 100 for settling, additionalreturn, and wasting either from a common hopper or using aforementionedperipheral or blanket surface removal approaches.

The external separation, for example, DB deselector (550), can bedensity, size, shear or compression or combination aforementionedapproaches. In an embodiment, the principle of deselection can be usedto develop multiple niches of particles exposed to different SRTs,electron donors or acceptors. The three return streams 505, 806 and 102can comprise ratios of different organism groups and can be then exposedto different donors or acceptors or carbon sources or quantities withinthe reactor. This approach also enhances densification for improvedsettling or thickening properties.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a chamber 900 constructed according tothe principles of the disclosure. The chamber 900 can include, forexample, a box chamber, a tank chamber or a wet well chamber. Thechamber 900 can be divided into at least 2 compartments 901 and 902,each of which can be configured to collect waste activated sludge (WAS)and return activated sludge (RAS), respectively. A waste activatedsludge stream (WAS stream) can be received at an input 903 and output atan outlet (or output) 904 of the compartment 901. A return activatedsludge stream (RAS stream) can be received at an input 905 and output atan outlet (or output) 906 of the compartment 902. An interchange, 907and 908, can be created between the two compartments, 901 and 902, whichcan manage variables in the WAS and RAS such as, for example, solidsconcentration, flow, or the mass that leaves the chamber 900 in the formof WAS or RAS. The interchange, 907 and 908, can adjust the variable ina manner that can maintain the SRTs of different fractions.

The chamber 900 can include, for example, one or more sensors (notshown) or probes (not shown). In an embodiment, the chamber 900 caninclude a sensor device (not shown) comprising, for example, a TSS(total suspended solids) probe, a viscosity probe, a density or sizemeasurement sensor (for example, using acoustics).

In an embodiment, the chamber 900 can include an overflow weir (notshown). The RAS and WAS can be separated by the overflow weir if neededto decant the contents.

In certain embodiments, the chamber 900 can be included in amulti-deselection approach such as, for example, depicted in FIG. 7 or8. The chamber 900 can be placed in between the internal deselectionapproach comprising, for example, the clarifier 100 and/or reactor 750(shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) and the external deselection approachcomprising, for example, the DB deselector 550 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8)and/or the PSC deselector 650 (shown in FIG. 6).

In an embodiment, the chamber 900 can be placed downstream of theexternal deselection approach (for example, DB deselector 550 and/or PSCdeselector 650), such as, for example, to help manage or tune, not onlythe splits, but also the variables of concentration, flow and massthemselves, as well as the fractions associated with the different SRTsfor these variables.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a double deselection approach in awastewater treatment system 30, constructed according to the principlesof the disclosure. Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, thesystem 30 comprises the clarifier 100, the reactor 750 (includinglamella clarifier 2) and the DB deselector 550. In an alternativeembodiment, the system 30 can include the PSC deselector 650 in placeof, or in addition to, the DB deselector 550.

As depicted, the double deselection approach can be applied to a biomassmaterial as the material travels and passes through multiple consecutivephysical deselectors, which in this embodiment is three physicaldeselectors. The selection efficiency of the first selector (forexample, the lamella clarifier 2) can be about 70% of the heaviergranular fraction and about 50% of the lighter flocculent fraction whichget retained and recycled to the reactor 750 as RAS R1 (802). From theother portion, a side-stream gets separated and is sent to a secondselector (for example, the DB deselector 550) with a selectionefficiency of about 80% for granules and about 25% for flocs returningin the RAS R2 (505) to the reactor 750 and the residual portion iswasted (for example, WAS output 504).

The main-stream continues from the first selector (for example, lamellaclarifier 2) to a third selector (for example, the clarifier 100), forwhich an ideally complete solids-retention can be assumed with theunderflow RAS R3 (102) recycled to the reactor 750. An additionalassumption can be applied, that the average retention of solids in thesystem amounts to 10 days, which means that 10% of the total mass getswasted every day. The fractions of granules and flocs in this waste-masscan be calculated by applying the assumed selection efficiencies of theconsecutive selectors as shown in the calculations below. The retentiontime for the granular fraction can be calculated from the ratio of thetotal granular mass by the daily wasted mass of granules resulting in 45days compared to only 7 days for the flocculant fraction. Obviously, theflocs need to grow faster to compensate for the higher waste-rate. Thisapproach also enhances densification for improved settling or thickeningproperties.

In order to evaluate the impact of the lamella-clarifier 2, theselection-efficiency of the lamella can be set to zero while the otherselectors are kept unchanged. A repetition of the calculation assumingthe same average SRT and the same sludge composition in the reactorleads to a substantially lower SRT for the granules of 28 days comparedto 8 days for flocs. In one embodiment, R2 is sent to a differentlocation from R1 and R3 allowing for different approaches for resourceallocation and resource production. In general, the heavier material ispreferentially sent ahead of the lighter material, thus in the case ofthe embodiment(s) depicted in FIG. 10, R2 (the heaviest materialselected in the underflow) is sent ahead of R1 (the next heaviestmaterial from the lamella), which is sent ahead of R3 from the RAS—allof them being returned to the reactor 750, where the streams are exposedto different electron donors or acceptors, along the length of thereactor, or alternatively produce different donors or acceptors alongsuch length. In this approach, many permutations or combinations ofSRTs, electron donor and acceptor can be used to provide a matrix ofniches for targeting the growth of different organisms. This is oneapproach for a multi-selection matrix that can be afforded from suchmultiple physical deselection concepts. This approach also enhancesdensification for improved settling or thickening properties. This isonly one embodiment of many other possible embodiments.

Definitions of Symbols in FIG. 10

M . . . Mass of solids in reactorloM . . . Mass of solids with low retention time (e.g. ⅔)hiM . . . Mass of solids with high retention time (e.g. ⅓)Mwas . . . Mass of solids wasted per dayloMwas . . . Mass of solids with low SRT wasted per dayhiMwas . . . Mass of solids with high SRT wasted per dayavSRT . . . average sludge retention time (e.g. 10 d)loSRT . . . low sludge retention timehiSRT . . . high sludge retention timeSE1,g . . . Selection efficiency lamella for granules (e.g. 70%)SE1,f . . . Selection efficiency lamella for flocs (e.g. 50%)SE2,g . . . Selection efficiency cyclone for granules (e.g. 80%)SE2,f . . . Selection efficiency cyclone for flocs (e.g. 25%)SE3,g . . . Selection efficiency clarifier for granules (e.g. 100%)SE3,f . . . Selection efficiency clarifier for flocs (e.g. 100%)Calculations SRT of sludge fraction at double selection:

M=loM+hiM=⅔+⅓=1

loMwas/Mwas=loM*(1−SE1,f)*(1−SE2,f)/(loM*(1−SE1,f)*(1−SE2,f)+hiM*(1−SE1g)*(1−SE2,g))

loMwas/Mwas=⅔*(1−0.5)*(1−0.25)/(⅔*(1−0.5)*(1−0.25)+⅓*(1−0.70)*(1−0.80))=92,6%

hiMwas/Mwas=hiM*(1−SE1,g)*(1−SE2,g)/(loM*(1−SE1,f)*(1−SE2,f)+hiM*(1−SE1g)*(1−SE2,g))

hiMwas/Mwas=⅓*(1−0.70)*(1−0.80)/(⅔*(1−0.5)*(1−0.25)+⅓*(1−0.70)*(1−0.80))=7.4%

loSRT=loM/(M/avSRT*loMwas/Mwas)=⅔/( 1/10*0.926)=7.2 d

hiSRT=hiM/(M/avSRT*hiMwas/Mwas)=⅓/( 1/10*0.074)=45.0 d

SRT of Sludge Fraction at Double Selection:

M=loM+hiM=⅔+⅓=1

loMwas/Mwas=loM*(1−SE1,f)*(1−SE2,f)/(loM*(1−SE1,f)*(1−SE2,f)+hiM*(1−SE1g)*(1−SE2,g))

loMwas/Mwas=⅔*(1−0)*(1−0.25)/(⅔*(1−0)*(1−0.25)+⅓*(1−0)*(1−0.80))=88.2%

hiMwas/Mwas=hiM*(1−SE1,g)*(1−SE2,g)/(loM*(1−SE1,f)*(1−SE2,f)+hiM*(1−SE1g)*(1−SE2,g))

hiMwas/Mwas=⅓*(1−0)*(1−0.80)/(⅔*(1−0)*(1−0.25)+⅓*(1−0)*(1−0.80))=11.8%

loSRT=loM/(M/avSRT*loMwas/Mwas)=⅔/( 1/10*0.882)=7.6 d

hiSRT=hiM/(M/avSRT*hiMwas/Mwas)=⅓/( 1/10*0.118)=28.2 d

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a wastewater treatment system 40 thatincludes a series of cascade flows from the influent 701 that are stepwise fed to the reactor 750, thus retarding either the underflow 505 orthe RAS 102, or both, that are returned to the reactor 750. The RAS 102is the output of the clarifier 100, which has the influent 703 andeffluent 120. The number of additional cascades beyond the influent atthe front of the reactor 750 could vary from 1 to 6 but is moretypically between 1 and 3. These cascade streams could preferentiallycontain any other flows, such as, for example, a digester liquor stream,fermentate, or external carbon, to provide tailored electron donor ortailored conditions for electron acceptor with the reactor to promotespecific diffusion conditions for substrates (donors, acceptors andcarbon source). In this manner, niches for resource allocation andproduction are developed along the reactor being differentially providedthe recycle stream (in an embodiment, the stream in line 505 is fedahead of the stream in RAS line 102) and the cascading influent streams.This approach can also enhance densification for improved settling orthickening properties.

FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of a wastewater treatment system 50,including the influent 701 that is fed to the reactor 750, with theoutput 703 fed to the clarifier 100, with the output effluent 120. TheRAS 102 flow can be returned to the reactor 750 at the same ordifferential location from the return of the underflow 505, whichcomprise the return stream from the DB deselector 550. The DB deselector550 can be configured to receives its influent from the clarifier 100,such as, for example, from the RAS line 102.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the reactor 750 can include anenergy source 1204, which can include, for example, an electromagneticenergy source (for example, light source) or a chemolitho source (forexample, source of any inorganic chemical, such as, for example, sulfur,iron, or limestone, etc.). The energy source 1204 can be arranged toprovide either energy, electron donor or acceptor or inorganic carbon inthe reactor 750. A C-1 organic or inorganic carbon, such as methane (forexample, from a membrane biofilm), bicarbonate, can also be provided.

In an embodiment, the underflow of material in the reactor 750containing larger or denser material can be retained, or returned in amixed liquor recycle 806.

In various embodiments, the energy source 1204 can be located or appliedat any point in the reactor 750 to take advantage of the multiple returnstreams, cascade streams or internal conditions present within thereactor 750. Thus, the layered approach, as discussed above, providesadditional selection or deselection while providing possible synergieswith other deselection or selection approaches to provide niches forgrowing organisms to provide treatment in an efficient, resourceful andresilient manner. This approach also enhances densification for improvedsettling or thickening properties. The process intensification can beconsiderable, while minimizing the energy consumption and providingadditional treatment value.

FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of a wastewater treatment system 60comprising a bioreactor 1300 and the DB deselector 550. The bioreactor1300 can include the bioreactor 750 and a membrane bioreactor 1000. Anyapproach in the preceding FIGS. 1-12 can be performed with the membranebioreactor 1000 instead of the clarifier 100.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, the treatment process can includethe influent stream 701, effluent stream 120, and recycle streams 806and 1302. The recycle stream 1302 can include a RAS (return activatedsludge) stream output from the membrane bioreactor 100. The process cancontain a surface waste approach 1304, that can supply surface wastematerial from the bioreactor 750 to an input of the DB deselector 550,thus performing double deselection, with the DB deselector 550outputting the waste stream 504 and the underflow return stream 505. Thereturn streams 806, 1302 can be differentially employed at same ormultiple locations within the reactor 750 to optimize resourceallocation or resource production, SRT uncoupling, or to at a minimumenhance overall densification for reducing fouling or increasing fluxthrough the membrane from at least 120% to greater than 200% of areference flux of approximately between 10-200 LMH. Other fluxes arealso possible, especially for dynamic polymeric membranes or filters.The membrane bioreactor can be either polymeric or ceramic.

FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of a wastewater treatment system 70, inwhich the bioreactor 750 is configured as a sequencing batch reactor. Inthis embodiment, the bioreactor 750 includes a decanter 1400 to performclarification. Here, the influent flow is received at 701 and a decantflow is output by the decanter 1400 in the effluent 120. The surfacewaste can occur either in mix mode or settle mode 1404, to extract thelighter, poor settling fraction of sludge to the deselector DB 550. Thedouble deselected overflow is wasted and the heavier underflow stream505 is returned to the reactor 750, possibly even upstream of where theinfluent 701 enters the reactor 750. This approach provides SRTuncoupling, improved resource allocation or production and improveddensification for improving settling or thickening from the double ormultiple deselection.

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of a wastewater treatment system 80comprising a near constant water level upflow reactor. In theembodiment, the reactor 750 can include the decanter 1000 and anintegrate clarifier 1510. The system 80 can be configured to receive theinfluent feed 701, which is distributed at the bottom of the reactor750. The effluent 120 is either decanted in the decanter 1000 orclarified in the integrated clarifier 1510, such as, for example, at thetop of the reactor 750. The feed displaces the effluent 120 during thefill/discharge cycle. The decanter 1000 can be submerged during thereact phase. The process is operated at a near constant water level in atimed sequence with multiple cycles. The solids are output at 1504 fromor below the top of the blanket to the DB deselector 550. The doubledeselected waste stream 504 can be output from the DB deselector 550,and the underflow 505 can be returned to the reactor 750.

FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of a wastewater treatment system 90comprising a modified sequencing batch (MSB) reactor 1600. The MSBreactor 1600 can include a bioreactor 1650 and sequenced alternatingclarifiers 1610. The MSB reactor 1600 can include a flow splitter box706. The system 90 can be configured to receive the influent feed 701and direct the feed to the flow splitter box 706. The flow splitter box706 can include one or more air locks (not shown), as needed, to stop orcontrol flow. The flow splitter box 706 can be arranged to cascade theflow to any part of the reactor 1650 or clarifier 1610 in a step manner.

In an embodiment, wet weather flows can directly be discharged from theflow splitter box 706 to the clarifier 1610.

In various embodiments, a step or cascade flow can enter an anaerobic oranoxic zone in the bioreactor 1650 prior to entering an aerobic,alternating aeration, or simultaneous nitrification/denitrificationzone.

Treated liquor, as well as flow, in the MSB reactor 1600 can entereither of the alternating clarifiers 1610 via 1603, where the treatedliquor (and/or flow) can be clarified and discharged in the effluent 120from either clarifier 1610. The incoming flow in the influent 701displaces the effluent 120.

In an embodiment, the clarifiers 1610 are constant water level reactorsthat are cycled to react or settle. Waste can be removed from either ofthe clarifiers 1610 and supplied via line 1601 to the DB deselector 550.The overflow can thus be double deselected and wasted at 504, and theunderflow 505 can be sent to the flow splitter box 706. The waste inline 1601 can be removed: 1) from the surface of the reactor 1650 orclarifier 1610 when mixed; 2) from the top of the settle blanket (duringsettle mode); or 3) from the periphery of the clarifier 1610 in settlemode (away from the reactor, near the effluent). The underflow from DBdeselector 550 can be returned to any location or time sequence in theMSB reactor 1600. This compact configuration has a cascade approachcombined with multiple recycle streams to improve flow management,improved densification, and developing niches for improved resource(donor or acceptor) utilization or production. A membrane aeratedbiofilm reactor, or any other biofilm reactor could be included in thereactor 1650. Other reactions, with chemiolitho or photo sources, canalso be included as needed, in which case the energy source 1204 (shownin FIG. 12) can be included.

In an embodiment, the wastewater treatment system can include anapparatus comprising: a reactor or a clarifier containing and processingactivated sludge with a distinct on integrated clarification step inspace or time, deselecting particles based on density, size, shear orcompression; and, a first internal deselector that removes smaller orless dense particles from the reactor or clarifier followed by a secondexternal deselector that further removes smaller or less denseparticles.

The apparatus can contain particles with a range of solids residencetimes, for retaining fast and slow growing organisms, grown underaerobic, anoxic or anaerobic conditions, with different treatmentfunctions such as for maximizing yield, nitrification, denitrification,deammonification, phosphorus removal, or micropollutant removal,wherein: the smaller particles exposed to double deselection, havinglower solids residence times and lower internal mass transfer resistancefor substrates, and thereby retaining only organisms with rapid growthrates of approximately greater than 2 days; and the large particlesexposed to single or no deselection having higher solids residence timesand higher internal mass transfer resistance for substrates, and therebyallowing for retaining organisms with slow growth rates of approximatelyless than 1 day.

The apparatus can contain particles with good settling propertiessupporting higher and more active solids inventories, wherein the solidsinventories are greater than 2500 mg/L at a range of solids residencetimes ranging from less than 2 day to greater than 10 days therebysupporting more active inventories of both fast and slow growingorganisms.

The apparatus can contain particles with good settling properties withsludge volume index less than 80 mL/g.

In an embodiment, the internal clarification deselection step in theapparatus can be performed: using any pump that supplies positive ornegative pressure including using vacuum and air lift; or, at thesurface of the reactor or clarification blanket; or, at the periphery ofthe clarifier; or, by applying negative or positive pressure on sludgecollected within slotted or perforated manifolds, plates or pipes thatare placed preferably near the periphery; or, using a baffle thatdirects and separates out sludge intended for deselection; or using adensity separation device such as a lamella, classifier, centrifuge orhydrocyclone, or size separation device such as a screen or filter.

In an embodiment, the internal deselection step can be performed at theclarification underflow, with an internal mixing or recirculation ofheavier particles collected with an internal or external lamella ordecanter associated with the reactor.

In an embodiment, the reactor can comprise an activated sludge reactor,a reactor and clarifier, a sequencing batch reactor, a modifiedsequencing batch reactor, an integrated fixed film activated sludgereactor, an upflow reactor with integrated clarifier or decanter, or amembrane bioreactor.

In an embodiment, the apparatus can include a chamber that is configuredto control and separate the WAS and RAS fractions between the internalselector(s) and/or external deselector(s) or after the internalselector(s) and/or external deselector(s). The apparatus can include twoor more RAS streams from internal selector and external deselector,which can be sent to two or more, respective, locations in the reactor.

In an embodiment, a method for treating wastewater comprisesdeselecting, in a reactor containing and processing activated sludgewith a distinct on integrated clarification step in space or time,particles based on density, size, shear or compression, including (i) afirst internal deselector that removes smaller or less dense particlesfrom a reactor or clarifier followed by (ii) a second externaldeselector that further removes smaller or less dense particles.

The method can include containing and processing activated sludge,including containing particles with a range of solids residence times,for retaining fast and slow growing organisms, grown under aerobic,anoxic or anaerobic conditions, with different treatment functions suchas for maximizing yield, nitrification, denitrification,deammonification, phosphorus removal, or micropollutant removal,wherein: (a) the smaller particles exposed to double deselection, havinglower solids residence times and lower internal mass transfer resistancefor substrates, and thereby retaining only organisms with rapid growthrates of approximately greater than 2 days; and (b) the large particlesexposed to single or no deselection having higher solids residence timesand higher internal mass transfer resistance for substrates, and therebyallowing for retaining organisms with slow growth rates of approximatelyless than 1 day.

The method can include containing and processing activated sludge,including containing particles with good settling properties supportinghigher and more active solids inventories, wherein: (a) the solidsinventories are greater than 2500 mg/L; and (b) at a range of solidsresidence times ranging from less than 2 day to greater than 10 daysthereby supporting more active inventories of both fast and slow growingorganisms.

The method can be configured to contain particles with good settlingproperties with sludge volume index less than 80 mL/g.

The method can include performing the internal clarification deselectionstep using any pump that supplies positive or negative pressureincluding using vacuum and air lift.

The method can include performing the internal clarification deselectionstep at: (a) the surface of the reactor or clarification blanket; or theperiphery of the clarifier.

The method can include performing the internal deselection step at theclarification associated with an internal recirculation associated withan internal or external lamella associated with the reactor.

The method can include performing the internal clarification deselectionstep by applying negative or positive pressure on sludge collectedwithin slotted or perforated manifolds, plates or pipes that are placedpreferably near the periphery or using a baffle that directs andseparates out sludge intended for deselection.

The method can include performing the external deselection step using adensity separation device such as a lamella, classifier, centrifuge orhydrocyclone or size separation device such as a screen or filter.

In various embodiments of the method, the reactor can include anactivated sludge reactor, a reactor and clarifier, a sequencing batchreactor, a modified sequencing batch reactor, an integrated fixed filmactivated sludge reactor, an upflow reactor with integrated clarifier ordecanter, or a membrane bioreactor.

In an embodiment of the method, a chamber can be included that controlsand separates the WAS and RAS fractions between the selectors or afterthe selectors. The method can include separating two or more RAS streamsfrom internal and external selection, where available, and supplying theRAS streams to respective different locations in the reactor, includingto at least one feast zone or anaerobic selector stage.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for clarification of activated sludgecomprises: (a) a clarifier containing two separate sludge withdrawalsfor return activated sludge; and (b) an internal deselector for wasteactivated sludge for separating lighter or less dense particles thatoccur at the surface of a blanket or away from the clarifier influent atthe periphery, wherein the deselection for waste activated sludge occursusing negative or positive pressure using a vacuum, lift or pumpmechanism that is applied either directly to the sludge or usingcollectors that are perforated or slotted pipes, plates or manifolds, orusing baffles that direct or separate the two sludge withdrawals or rakearms that assist in collecting at least one of the two sludgewithdrawals.

In an embodiment, a method for clarification of activated sludgecomprises a clarifier containing two separate sludge withdrawals forreturn activated sludge and an internal deselector for waste activatedsludge for separating lighter or less dense particles that occur at thesurface of a blanket or away from the clarifier influent at theperiphery. The method comprises deselecting for waste activated sludgeusing negative or positive pressure using a vacuum, lift or pumpmechanism that is applied either directly to the sludge or usingcollectors that are perforated or slotted pipes, plates or manifolds, orusing baffles that direct or separate the two sludge withdrawals or rakearms that assist in collecting at least one of the two sludgewithdrawals.

In an embodiment, the wastewater treatment method comprises: supplyingactivated sludge to a reactor or clarifier, wherein the reactor containsand processes the activated sludge with a distinct on integratedclarification step in space or time, and deselects particles based ondensity, size, shear or compression; removing smaller or less denseparticles from the reactor or clarifier by a first internal deselector;and further removing smaller or less dense particles by a secondexternal deselector. The method can include containing and processingparticles with a range of solids residence times, for retaining fast andslow growing organisms, grown under aerobic, anoxic or anaerobicconditions, with different treatment functions such as for maximizingyield, nitrification, denitrification, deammonification, phosphorusremoval, or micropollutant removal, wherein: (a) the smaller particlesexposed to double deselection, having lower solids residence times andlower internal mass transfer resistance for substrates, and therebyretaining only organisms with rapid growth rates of approximatelygreater than 2 days; and (b) the large particles exposed to single or nodeselection having higher solids residence times and higher internalmass transfer resistance for substrates, and thereby allowing forretaining organisms with slow growth rates of approximately less than 1day. The method can include containing and processing particles withgood settling properties supporting higher and more active solidsinventories, wherein: (a) the solids inventories are greater than 2500mg/L; and (b) at a range of solids residence times ranging from lessthan 2 day to greater than 10 days thereby supporting more activeinventories of both fast and slow growing organisms. The method cancomprise: containing and processing particles with good settlingproperties with sludge volume index less than 80 mL/g; or performing theinternal clarification deselection step using any pump that suppliespositive or negative pressure including using vacuum and air lift;performing; or performing the internal clarification deselection step atthe surface of the reactor or clarification blanket, or the periphery ofthe clarifier; or performing the internal clarification deselection stepby applying negative or positive pressure on sludge collected withinslotted or perforated manifolds, plates or pipes that are placedpreferably near the periphery or using a baffle that directs andseparates out sludge intended for deselection. The method can includeperforming the internal deselection step: at the clarificationassociated with an internal recirculation associated with an internal orexternal lamella associated with the reactor; or using a densityseparation device such as a lamella, classifier, centrifuge orhydrocyclone or size separation device such as a screen or filter. Themethod can include a reactor comprising, for example, an activatedsludge reactor, a reactor and clarifier, a sequencing batch reactor, amodified sequencing batch reactor, an integrated fixed film activatedsludge reactor, an upflow reactor with integrated clarifier or decanter,or a membrane bioreactor. The method can include a chamber that controlsand separates the WAS and RAS fractions between the selectors or afterthe selectors. The method can include two RAS streams from internal andexternal selection that are sent to two different locations in thereactor, including to at least one feast zone or anaerobic selectorstage.

In an embodiment, a method for clarification of activated sludgecomprises: supplying the activated sludge to a clarifier containing twoseparate sludge withdrawals for return activated sludge; and supplyingwaste activated sludge to an internal deselector for separating lighteror less dense particles that occur at the surface of a blanket or awayfrom the clarifier influent at the periphery, wherein the deselectionfor waste activated sludge occurs using negative or positive pressureusing a vacuum, lift or pump mechanism that is applied either directlyto the sludge or using collectors that are perforated or slotted pipes,plates or manifolds, or using baffles that direct or separate the twosludge withdrawals or rake arms that assist in collecting at least oneof the two sludge withdrawals.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for clarification of activated sludgecomprises: (a) a clarifier containing two separate sludge withdrawalsfor return activated sludge (RAS); and (b) an internal deselector forwaste activated sludge (WAS) for separating lighter or less denseparticles that occur at the surface of a solids blanket or away from theclarifier influent at the periphery, wherein the deselection for wasteactivated sludge occurs using negative or positive pressure using avacuum, lift or pump mechanism that is applied either directly to thesludge or using collectors that are perforated or slotted pipes, platesor manifolds, or using baffles that direct or separate the two sludgewithdrawals or rake arms that assist in collecting at least one of thetwo sludge withdrawals.

It is understood that the various disclosed embodiments are shown anddescribed above to illustrate different possible features of thedisclosure and the varying ways in which these features can be combined.Apart from combining the features of the above embodiments in varyingways, other modifications are also considered to be within the scope ofthe disclosure. The disclosure is not intended to be limited to thepreferred embodiments described above. The disclosure encompasses allalternate embodiments that fall literally or equivalently within thescope of these claims.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” as used in this disclosure, means “oneor more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “approach,” as used in this disclosure, means “a method or aprocess,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having” and their variations, asused in this disclosure, mean “including, but not limited to,” unlessexpressly specified otherwise.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment describedcan include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, butevery embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

Values expressed in a range format can be interpreted in a flexiblemanner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited asthe limits of the range, but also to include all the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, aconcentration range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” can be interpreted toinclude not only the explicitly recited concentration of about 0.1 wt. %to about 5 wt. %, but also the individual concentrations (for example,1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (for example, 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1%to 2.2%, and 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. The statement“about X to Y” has the same meaning as “about X to about Y,”” unlessindicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement “about X, Y, or about Z”has the same meaning as “about X, about Y, or about Z,” unless indicatedotherwise.

The term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwiseindicated. Unless indicated otherwise, the statement “at least one of”when referring to a listed group is used to mean one or any combinationof two or more of the members of the group. For example, the statement“at least one of A, B, and C” can have the same meaning as “A; B; C; Aand B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C,” or the statement “at least oneof D, E, F, and G” can have the same meaning as “D; E; F; G; D and E; Dand F; D and G; E and F; E and G: F and G; D, E, and F; D, E, and G; D,F, and G; E, F, and G; or D, E, F, and G.” A comma can be used as adelimiter or digit group separator to the left or right of a decimalmark; for example, “0.000,1”” is equivalent to “0.0001.”

The term “wastewater,” as used in this disclosure, means “water orwastewater,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

In the methods described herein, the steps can be carried out in anyorder without departing from the principles of the invention, exceptwhen a temporal or operational sequence is explicitly recited.Furthermore, specified steps can be carried out concurrently unlessexplicit language recites that they be carried out separately. Forexample, a recited act of doing X and a recited act of doing Y can beconducted simultaneously within a single operation, and the resultingprocess will fall within the literal scope of the process. Recitation ina claim to the effect that first a step is performed, and then severalother steps are subsequently performed, shall be taken to mean that thefirst step is performed before any of the other steps, but the othersteps can be performed in any suitable sequence, unless a sequence isfurther recited within the other steps. For example, claim elements thatrecite “Step A, Step B, Step C, Step D, and Step E” can be construed tomean step A is carried out first, step E is carried out last, and stepsB, C, and D can be carried out in any sequence between steps A and E(including with one or more steps being performed concurrent with step Aor Step E), and that the sequence still falls within the literal scopeof the claimed process. A given step or sub-set of steps can also berepeated.

Furthermore, specified steps can be carried out concurrently unlessexplicit claim language recites that they be carried out separately. Forexample, a claimed step of doing X and a claimed step of doing Y can beconducted simultaneously within a single operation, and the resultingprocess will fall within the literal scope of the claimed process.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other unless expressly specifiedotherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with eachother may communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

Although process steps, method steps, or algorithms may be described ina sequential or a parallel order, such processes, methods and algorithmsmay be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, anysequence or order of steps that may be described in a sequential orderdoes not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performedin that order; some steps may be performed simultaneously. Similarly, ifa sequence or order of steps is described in a parallel (orsimultaneous) order, such steps can be performed in a sequential order.The steps of the processes, methods or algorithms described in thisspecification may be performed in any order practical.

When a single device or article is described, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of asingle device or article. Similarly, where more than one device orarticle is described, it will be readily apparent that a single deviceor article may be used in place of the more than one device or article.The functionality or the features of a device may be alternativelyembodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly describedas having such functionality or features.

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustrationonly and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications andchanges can be made to the subject matter described herein withoutfollowing the example embodiments and applications illustrated anddescribed, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention encompassed by the present disclosure, which is defined by theset of recitations in the following claims and by structures andfunctions or steps which are equivalent to these recitations.

1. A wastewater treatment system, comprising: an influent containingcontaminated water; a reactor comprising (i) an inlet, (ii) abioreactor, (iii) an internal deselector, and (iv) an outlet, wherein:(i) the inlet is configured to receive the influent and supply thecontaminated water to the bioreactor; (ii) the bioreactor is configuredto disperse the contaminated water in a solid-liquid mixture, treat thesolid-liquid mixture and form biological solids; (iii) the internaldeselector is configured to retain or retard a first portion of thebiological solids from the solid-liquid mixture and output a deselectedsolid-liquid mixture comprising a second portion of the biologicalsolids; and (iv) the outlet is configured to receive the deselectedsolid-liquid mixture and output the deselected solid-liquid mixture,including the second portion of the biological solids, from the reactor;and a particle deselector configured to receive the deselectedsolid-liquid mixture and deselect part of the second portion of thebiological solids in the deselected solid-liquid mixture to output thedeselected part of the second portion of the biological solids; and areturn line configured to supply a remaining part of the second portionof the biological solids to the reactor, wherein the particle deselectorcomprises at least one of a density-based (DB) deselector and a particlesize-compressibility (PSC) deselector.
 2. The wastewater treatmentsystem in claim 1, wherein the internal deselector is configured todeselect the first portion of the biological solids from thesolid-liquid mixture based on at least one of pressure differential,flow velocity, flow rate, temperature differential, and electromagneticenergy exposure.
 3. The wastewater treatment system in claim 1, whereinthe particle deselector is configured to deselect the part of the secondportion of the biological solids based on at least one of solidsparticle density, size, shear-resistance, or compressibility.
 4. Thewastewater treatment system in claim 1, the system further comprising atleast one of a decanter, a clarifier, a separator, a membrane, and afilter configured to separate solid particles having predeterminedcharacteristics from the solid-liquid mixture.
 5. The wastewatertreatment system in claim 1, wherein the biological solids includeparticles having an average solids residence time (avSRT) for selectingfast and slow growing organisms with different treatment functions,wherein: particles in the deselected part of the second portion of thebiological solids have a solids residence time (loSRT) that is lowerthan the average solids residence time (avSRT); and particles in thedeselected part of the second portion of the biological solids have asolids residence time (hiSRT) that is higher than the average solidsresidence time (avSRT).
 6. The wastewater treatment system in claim 1,wherein the deselected part of the second portion of the biologicalsolids includes particles comprising: a sludge volume index less than 80mL/g; or improved membrane flux or reduced membrane fouling.
 7. Thewastewater treatment system in claim 1, wherein the deselector isconfigured to apply a negative or a positive pressure at or near: a. areactor interface of the bioreactor; b. a clarifier interface; c. asurface of the reactor; d. a surface of a settling blanket; e. aperiphery of a clarifier; f. a feed zone in the bioreactor, whereininfluent or recycles are supplied; or g. a discharge zone in thebioreactor or a clarifier, from which an effluent or recycles areoutput.
 8. The wastewater treatment system in claim 1, wherein thedeselector comprises: one or more slotted manifolds; one or moreperforated manifolds; one or more plates; one or more pipes; or one ormore baffles, wherein the pipes are placed at or near a periphery of thereactor or a clarifier and the baffle is configured to direct andseparate sludge at the periphery of the reactor or the clarifier.
 9. Thewastewater treatment system in claim 1, wherein bioreactor comprises afeed zone that receives the influent using a differential influentcascade approach.
 10. The wastewater treatment system in claim 1,wherein: said first portion of the biological solids and said deselectedpart of the second portion of the biological solids are supplied asrecycle streams from the selector and deselector, respectively, to atleast two different locations in the bioreactor; or said first portionof the biological solids and said deselected part of the second portionof the biological solids are deselected by the selector and deselector,respectively, to increase one or more of microbially produced electrondonor, electron acceptor or carbon, and to provide at least 20% ofelectron donor, electron acceptor or carbon requirements for operationof the bioreactor.
 11. The wastewater treatment system in claim 1,wherein the reactor comprises: a continuous flow reactor; a sequencingbatch reactor; a modified sequencing batch reactor; an integrated fixedfilm activated sludge reactor; an upflow reactor with integratedclarifier; an upflow reactor with integrated decanter; or a membranebioreactor.
 12. The wastewater treatment system in claim 1, wherein theinternal deselection step is performed using energy within the reactorcomprising: a visible, ultraviolet or infrared photo source; a heatsource; a gas source; or a pressure or mixing source.
 13. A method fortreating wastewater, comprising: supplying an influent containingcontaminated water to a reactor comprising a bioreactor and an internaldeselector; treating, by the bioreactor, the contaminated water in asolid-liquid mixture to form biological solids; retaining or retarding,by the internal deselector, a portion of the biological solids from thesolid-liquid mixture; outputting, from the reactor to a particledeselector, a deselected solid-liquid mixture comprising non-retained ornon-retarded biological solids; deselecting, by the particle deselector,part of the non-retained or non-retarded biological solids in theselected solid-liquid mixture to output a deselected part of thenon-retained or non-retarded biological solids; and returning at leastone of said retained or retarded biological solids from the internaldeselector and a remaining portion of the part of the second portion ofthe biological solids from the particle deselector to the bioreactor.14. The method in claim 13, wherein: the internal deselector isconfigured to deselect the first portion of the biological solids fromthe solid-liquid mixture based on at least one of pressure differential,flow velocity, flow rate, temperature differential, and electromagneticenergy exposure; and the particle deselector is configured to deselectthe deselected part of the second portion of the biological solids basedon at least one of solids particle density, size, shear-resistance, orcompressibility.
 15. The method in claim 13, wherein the biologicalsolids include particles having an average solids residence time (avSRT)for selecting fast and slow growing organisms with different treatmentfunctions, wherein: particles in the deselected part of the secondportion of the biological solids have a solids residence time (loSRT)that is lower than the average solids residence time (avSRT); andparticles in the deselected part of the second portion of the biologicalsolids have a solids residence time (hiSRT) that is higher than theaverage solids residence time (avSRT).
 16. The method in claim 13,wherein the deselected part of the second portion of the biologicalsolids includes particles comprising: a sludge volume index less than 80mL/g; or improved membrane flux or reduced membrane fouling.
 17. Themethod in claim 13, wherein the internal deselector is configured toapply a negative or a positive pressure at or near: a. a reactorinterface of the bioreactor; b. a clarifier interface; c. a surface ofthe reactor; d. a surface of a settling blanket; e. a periphery of aclarifier; f. a feed zone in the bioreactor, wherein influent orrecycles are supplied; or g. a discharge zone in the bioreactor or aclarifier, from which an effluent or recycles are output.
 18. The methodin claim 13, wherein the internal deselector comprises: one or moreslotted manifolds; one or more perforated manifolds; one or more plates;one or more pipes; or one or more baffles, wherein the pipes are placedat or near a periphery of the reactor or a clarifier and the baffle isconfigured to direct and separate sludge at the periphery of the reactoror the clarifier.
 19. The method in claim 13, wherein bioreactorcomprises a feed zone that receives the influent using a differentialinfluent cascade approach.
 20. The method in claim 13, wherein thereactor comprises: a continuous flow reactor; a sequencing batchreactor; a modified sequencing batch reactor; an integrated fixed filmactivated sludge reactor; an upflow reactor with integrated clarifier;an upflow reactor with integrated decanter; or a membrane bioreactor.